Third Avenue: Two Miles, Too Many Graves

Senate Bill 8667 would force new drivers to log six hours with a professional instructor. Gounardes and Carroll say the current system is lax. They want more training. Safety leaders back the move. DOT is reviewing. Streets stay deadly.

Senate Bill 8667, introduced by Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Bobby Carroll, would require all new drivers in New York State to complete six hours of professional driving instruction before taking the road test. The bill was announced on March 29, 2022. Gounardes slammed the current rules as too lenient, saying, "For some drivers, the first time they take the wheel [as a licensed driver] they are in sole control of their car." Carroll called the requirement "reasonable." Stephen Walling, president of the New York State Association of Professional Driving Schools, said the bill would "go a long way towards keeping all New Yorkers safer on our roads." The NYC Department of Transportation called driver education "crucial" for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, and is reviewing the proposal. The bill awaits committee action.

• Albany Bill Would Finally Mandate Instruction for Student Drivers (Well, a Little), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-29

A bicyclist struck the right side of a parked sedan on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider suffered abrasions and an upper arm injury. The sedan bore damage on its right doors. The cyclist wore a helmet and remained conscious after the crash.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male bicyclist traveling north collided with the right side doors of a parked 2021 Lexus sedan on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The bicyclist sustained abrasions and an upper arm injury but was conscious and wearing a helmet. The sedan was occupied by a licensed male driver from Florida who was parked at the time. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors for either party. The impact occurred at the center front end of the bike and the right side doors of the sedan, causing damage to the vehicle's right side.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4514863 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Two SUVs crashed on 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. One driver suffered an elbow abrasion. The collision involved right front and left front quarter panel impacts. Unsafe lane changing caused the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling south.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided on 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash involved a right front bumper impact on one vehicle and a left front quarter panel impact on the other. One driver, a 46-year-old man wearing a lap belt and harness, was injured with an abrasion to his elbow and lower arm. The report lists "Unsafe Lane Changing" as the contributing factor. Both drivers were licensed and traveling south at the time. Neither driver was ejected from their vehicles. The report does not indicate any other contributing factors or injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4513586 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Mayor Adams stood at a deadly Brooklyn intersection. He blamed Albany for tying the city’s hands. He called out the NYPD for weak enforcement. Twenty-seven pedestrians dead this year. Cameras go dark at night. Speeders win. Vulnerable lives lost.

On March 25, 2022, Mayor Adams held a press conference on street safety and traffic enforcement policy. The event spotlighted the city’s struggle to control its own traffic laws. Adams slammed state rules that force red light and speed cameras off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., calling it 'unbelievable.' He said, 'Who are we protecting? We’re protecting the speeders. How about protecting Isaiah?' State Senator Andrew Gounardes, district 26, echoed Adams: 'It makes no sense that the city cannot control its own destiny on these streets.' Adams admitted NYPD traffic enforcement lags, with summonses down by more than half since 2019. Twenty-seven pedestrians have died so far this year—three more than last year. The mayor pressed for 24/7 camera operation and renewed NYPD focus. The council and advocates demand Albany act before more lives are lost.

• Mayor Adams blames Albany for NYC street safety flaws, but says city must do a better job, nydailynews.com, Published 2022-03-25

Mayor Adams stood with a grieving family. He demanded Albany let New York City control speed cameras, lower speed limits, and expand red-light cameras. He slammed laws that shield reckless drivers. Advocates say enforcement is not enough. Streets must change to save lives.

On March 25, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams issued a statement urging Albany to grant New York City authority over its speed camera enforcement system, lower speed limits, and expand red-light camera programs. Adams criticized the law that forces cameras off at 10 p.m., asking, 'Who are we protecting? We're protecting the speeders?' He cited clear data showing cameras cut violations and crashes. State Senator Andrew Gounardes echoed Adams, questioning why lawmakers outside the city control local street safety. Adams admitted NYPD traffic enforcement has dropped and pledged to prioritize it. Advocates argue enforcement alone is not enough and call for street redesigns to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic deaths remain high, especially when cameras are off. The push highlights a fight for local control and safer streets for all vulnerable New Yorkers.

• Adams Wants Albany Help in Stopping Reckless Drivers, But There is Much More He Can Do On His Own, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-03-25

A BMW sedan traveling north on 60 Street struck another vehicle’s right rear bumper. Two female occupants suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Both were conscious and restrained by seat belts. The crash caused center back-end damage to the BMW.

According to the police report, a 2021 BMW sedan driven by a 31-year-old woman was involved in a collision on 60 Street in Brooklyn. The vehicle impacted the right rear bumper of another vehicle. Two female occupants, the driver and a 26-year-old front passenger, sustained neck injuries classified as injury severity 3, including whiplash. Both were conscious and wearing lap belts and harnesses at the time. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors noted. The BMW sustained damage to its center back end. No ejections occurred, and no pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4512318 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A BMW sedan crashed head-on into the expressway’s barrier. Three men inside suffered whiplash, abrasions, and facial trauma. Driver inexperience caused the wreck. All survived. Metal twisted at the car’s front.

According to the police report, a 2006 BMW sedan traveling northeast on Prospect Expressway struck head-on, injuring all three men inside. The driver, age 28, suffered abrasions to his arm. The front passenger, 30, sustained facial injuries and whiplash. The rear left passenger, 28, had head injuries and whiplash. All were conscious and restrained. The report lists driver inexperience as the sole contributing factor. The car’s center front end took the brunt of the impact. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4530502 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 26-year-old man on an e-scooter was injured in Brooklyn. The crash happened on 3 Avenue at 3:15 a.m. The driver suffered a head injury and was incoherent. Police cited driver inattention as the cause. No helmet was worn.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old male e-scooter driver was injured in a collision on 3 Avenue in Brooklyn at 3:15 a.m. The driver suffered a head injury and was incoherent at the scene. The crash involved a Ford vehicle traveling east and the e-scooter traveling south. The point of impact was the center front end of the e-scooter and the left front bumper of the Ford. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the crash. The e-scooter driver was not wearing any safety equipment. The driver was not ejected from the vehicle but sustained serious injuries. The Ford driver held a permit license status.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4511171 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

SUV hit object on Gowanus Expressway. Front-seat passenger, 46, suffered head contusion. Driver inexperience cited. Passenger was conscious and restrained. No victim fault listed.

According to the police report, a 46-year-old woman riding as the front passenger in a 2021 SUV was injured when the vehicle struck an object with its right front quarter panel on the Gowanus Expressway. The passenger sustained a head contusion, remained conscious, and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists driver inexperience as a contributing factor to the crash. No other contributing factors or victim errors are noted. The driver was licensed in New York and was traveling straight ahead at the time of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4515539 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 39-year-old woman bicyclist was ejected and injured in Brooklyn. The SUV struck her on the left side doors while making a left turn. She suffered facial contusions but remained conscious. Confusion by the bicyclist contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 39-year-old female bicyclist was injured after being struck by a 2021 Ford SUV in Brooklyn. The SUV was making a left turn southbound on 4 Avenue when it hit the bicyclist traveling northbound straight ahead. The impact occurred on the left side doors of the bike and the right front bumper of the SUV. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained facial contusions but remained conscious. The report lists "Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion" as the contributing factor, indicating confusion on the bicyclist's part. No driver errors were cited in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509271 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 29-year-old male bicyclist was partially ejected and suffered upper arm injuries after a collision with a BMW sedan making a left turn on 6 Avenue in Brooklyn. The rider was in shock and complained of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan traveling west on 6 Avenue made a left turn and collided with an e-bike traveling south. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old man, was partially ejected and sustained upper arm injuries. He was in shock and complained of pain and nausea. The sedan's point of impact was its left front bumper, while the e-bike was struck on its left front bumper. The report lists unspecified contributing factors for the bicyclist but does not specify driver errors or violations. No safety equipment was used by the bicyclist. The driver of the sedan was licensed in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4509103 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 38-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured after an SUV made a left turn on Prospect Avenue. The bike hit the SUV’s right rear quarter panel. The cyclist suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries and was in shock at the scene.

According to the police report, a station wagon/SUV was making a left turn northwest on Prospect Avenue when it collided with a southbound bicyclist going straight ahead. The bicyclist was ejected and sustained upper arm and shoulder injuries, including contusions and bruises. The report lists driver inattention/distraction and unsafe speed as contributing factors. The SUV driver’s error in turning left without yielding to the bicyclist led to the crash. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but the report does not list it as a contributing factor. No damage was reported to the SUV, while the bike sustained front-end damage. The bicyclist was in shock at the scene.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4510819 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Senate passed S 5130. The bill pushes complete street design. It aims for safe access for all. Pedestrians and cyclists get a shot at safer roads. The vote was split, but the bill moved forward.

Senate bill S 5130, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on March 2 and May 16, 2022. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill. Support came from members like Jeremy Cooney, Anna Kaplan, and John Liu. Dissent came from Patrick Gallivan and Susan Serino. The bill pushes cities to design roads for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. It marks a shift from car-first planning. The measure aims to cut risk for people outside cars. Full vote details and text are at the New York Senate website.

• File S 5130, Open States, Published 2022-03-02

A Ford SUV turned right at 4th Avenue and 32nd Street. The driver’s view was blocked. The bumper hit a 61-year-old woman crossing with the light. She fell. Blood pooled. The street bore witness to another wound.

A 61-year-old woman was struck by a Ford SUV while crossing 4th Avenue at 32nd Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the SUV turned right as the woman crossed with the signal. The vehicle’s bumper hit her head, causing severe bleeding. The report states, “The driver’s view was blocked. He saw too late.” The listed contributing factor is 'View Obstructed/Limited.' The driver’s action—turning with limited visibility—led to the crash. The pedestrian was injured at the intersection while following the signal. No other contributing factors were cited in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4502712 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A sedan turned right on 4 Avenue and struck a southbound cyclist. The rider, 62, suffered a fractured, dislocated shoulder. The bike’s front end and sedan’s rear panel were damaged. The cyclist stayed conscious.

According to the police report, a 2009 Lexus sedan made a right turn on 4 Avenue in Brooklyn and collided with a bicyclist traveling straight southbound. The 62-year-old cyclist suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. The sedan’s right rear quarter panel and the bike’s front end were damaged. The report lists no specific contributing factors or driver errors. The cyclist was not ejected and remained conscious after the crash. The sedan had two occupants, and the driver was licensed in New York.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4501382 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 32-year-old male driver suffered head injuries and whiplash in a front-end crash on Prospect Expressway East. The SUV struck another vehicle’s right rear bumper. The driver was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. No ejection occurred.

According to the police report, a 32-year-old male driver operating a 2016 SUV on Prospect Expressway East collided front-center with another vehicle’s right rear bumper. The driver was the sole occupant and was wearing a lap belt. He sustained head injuries and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. The report lists contributing factors as unspecified, with no clear driver errors identified. The crash caused damage to the SUV’s front end. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4498918 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

Albany leaders debate MTA’s future. Advocates want $500 million yearly to keep subways and buses moving. Riders face fare hikes and service cuts if lawmakers stall. The fight is urgent. Riders wait. Cars kill. Transit saves lives.

This funding debate centers on Gov. Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which allocates $6.6 billion in operating aid for the MTA but lacks new dedicated revenue. The proposal, discussed on January 28, 2022, has not advanced to a formal committee or bill stage. The matter: 'Who Wants To Give The MTA Half A Billion Dollars?' State Sen. Andrew Gounardes backs progressive funding, saying, 'Funding high-ridership bus routes and the subway such that transit options would be arriving every six minutes is something we need to be pushing for.' Comptroller Brad Lander and advocates like the Riders Alliance demand $500 million per year to avoid fare hikes and boost service. The push is clear: more frequent, affordable transit keeps vulnerable New Yorkers out of harm’s way. No formal safety analysis was provided, but the stakes for pedestrians and riders are life and death.

• Who Wants To Give The MTA Half A Billion Dollars?, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-01-28

SUV jumped from parking, smashed into a parked sedan. Passenger in front seat took the hit. Bruised arm, shaken but awake. Unsafe lane change. Brooklyn street, metal and flesh marked.

According to the police report, an SUV started from parking and struck a parked sedan on 54th Street in Brooklyn. The SUV's right front bumper was demolished. A 31-year-old male front passenger in the SUV suffered bruises to his elbow and lower arm. He was conscious and restrained. The report lists 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as a contributing factor. The SUV driver was unlicensed. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The parked sedan was damaged on its right rear quarter panel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4496737 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14

A 49-year-old man was struck while crossing 56 Street at 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The SUV driver was making a left turn. The pedestrian suffered a hip and upper leg contusion. The vehicle showed no damage. The man remained conscious.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 56 Street and 4 Avenue in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2021 SUV, driven by a licensed male driver traveling north and making a left turn, struck him with the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained a contusion and bruising to his hip and upper leg and remained conscious. The SUV showed no damage. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the pedestrian crossing with the signal. The pedestrian's injuries were classified as moderate. No helmet or signaling factors were noted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4494352 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-14